Green light for punters
The Thurles Chase has an interesting appearance with Michael Hourigan pitching up-and-coming Kerryhead Windfarm in against some very experienced rivals.
The seven-year-old has been plagued by poor technique for much of his career, but did little wrong at Fairyhouse when scoring by an easy seven lengths from On The Net. That, however, was only his second ever race over fences and this is a big ask!
The choice is the veteran Mossy Green, who has shown in the past that he goes well fresh. He also showed his liking for this track in March, scoring by 12 lengths.
Willie Mullins trains Mossy Green and his Ballygoe gets the nod in the first division of the Irish Stallion Farms' EBF Beginners Chase.
It seems particularly significant that this dual point-to-pointer winner, third in a bumper at Punchestown in January, is launched straight over fences.
A third Mullins possibility is Lady Accord, with some useful bumper form to her credit, in the Templemore Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Ruby Walsh rides Mossy Green, Ballygoe and Lady Accord and might have been expected to partner Homer Wells, who should have a big future at this game, in the second section of the Beginners Chase. He prefers Center Field, however, so it could pay to look beyond the Mullins inmates. A hopeful vote falls on Far From Trouble, who may have needed the run when fifth behind Kerryhead Windfarm at Fairyhouse.
On a day which is going to test the skill of punters, Charlie Swan's once-raced Lace Your Boots gets the nap in the Bumper.
The son of Luso appeared to have plenty in the locker when running out turning for home, he was in front at the time, in the contest won by Strike An Ark at Naas. Travelling right-handed now is a bonus.
